Founded in 1850, Henriques & Henriques is one of Madeira’s most historic and esteemed producers, renowned for its century-spanning tradition of crafting age-defying fortified wines. Unlike many houses, H&H has long owned its own vineyards, giving full control over quality and style — a hallmark of its reputation for precision and longevity.
Wine Style
Sercial is the driest and most ethereal style of Madeira, prized for its tension, lifted aromatics, and extraordinary acidity. The 1971 vintage represents a half-century of slow, oxidative ageing in oak casks before release — a remarkable example of how Madeira can transcend time, evolving in complexity while retaining its hallmark freshness.
Vintage & Maturation
The 1971 harvest was considered exceptional on the island, producing wines of vibrant structure and finesse. This Vintage Sercial spent decades maturing in seasoned oak casks under the canteiro system, gently concentrating through natural evaporation and developing layers of nutty, citrus, and saline depth before bottling.
Tasting Notes
Amber-gold in colour, the 1971 Sercial Vintage opens with intense aromas of candied orange peel, toasted almond, sea spray, and fine varnish. The palate is piercingly fresh yet deeply savoury, offering flavours of dried citrus, hazelnut, and caramelised fig balanced by crystalline acidity. The finish is endless — dry, elegant, and hauntingly complex.
Technical Information
Region: Madeira, Portugal
Producer: Henriques & Henriques
Grape Variety: Sercial
Vintage: 1971
Alcohol: ~20%
Maturation: Over 40 years in seasoned oak under the canteiro method
Closure: Cork
Serving Temperature: 12–14°C
Drinking Window: Now to 2060+
A Collector’s Treasure
The 1971 Henriques & Henriques Sercial Vintage is a masterwork of patience and tradition — a timeless expression of Madeira’s endurance and grace. Bottles from this era are rare and highly sought after, offering a taste of living history for the serious collector or connoisseur.
